fair-weather friend

A friend who supports others only when it is easy and convenient to do so: “I thought Gene would always stick by me, but when I got into trouble, he turned out to be a fair-weather friend.”

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Idioms and Phrases

A person who is dependable in good times but is not in times of trouble. For example, You can't rely on Sarah—she's strictly a fair-weather friend. This expression likens fair weather to good times. [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

If a fair-weather friend is someone who only comes around when things are good, a bad-weather friend is someone you can depend on when things take a turn for the worse.

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But Moscow is typically more fair-weather friend than loyal ally.

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The informality of their pact means that they’re only fair-weather friends: One won’t necessarily go to war just because the other does.

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The collection explores the dichotomy between deep and lengthy bonds, like Jane and Fiona’s, and fleeting encounters with lovers, fair-weather friends, colleagues, even parents.

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“We established All Seasons Press to be a publishing house that stands by our authors, rain or shine. We aren’t fair-weather friends.”

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fair-weather fairy

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